Donald Trump threatened to wipe out “a whole civilization” shortly before the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran was reached Tuesday evening. The remark infuriated Pope Leo XIV, prompting him to issue a grim statement directed at the U.S. President.
The war in Iran had dragged on for more than a month before Tuesday night’s diplomatic breakthrough. The U.S. and Iran finally reached a two‑week ceasefire just ahead of Trump’s deadline.
Afterward, both sides claimed victory. Trump said he agreed to the ceasefire because Iran committed to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, calling Iran’s 10‑point proposal “a workable basis for negotiations.” He added that a final agreement could be reached within two weeks and described the ceasefire as a “total and complete victory,” noting that the U.S. would help ease traffic in the Strait.
Just a day earlier, Trump had posted a chilling message on Truth Social, warning that he could end “an entire civilization.” The post sparked global alarm and raised fears of a dangerous escalation.
“A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” Trump wrote. “I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will… maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?”
Pope Leo breaks silence on Trump’s threat
Trump’s comments drew condemnation from across the political spectrum. Democrats, Republicans, former MAGA allies like Marjorie Taylor Greene, and public figures such as Alex Jones, Nigel Farage, and Tucker Carlson all spoke out.
Pope Leo XIV joined them. Before the ceasefire was announced, he condemned Trump’s threat to strike Iranian civilian structures and urged world leaders to pursue peace.
“I would simply say, once again, what I said in the ‘Urbi et Orbi’ message on Sunday: asking all people of goodwill to search, always, for peace and not violence; to reject war… which is continuing to escalate and which is not resolving anything,” Pope Leo said as he left his residence in Castel Gandolfo, according to Politico.
The U.S.-born pope warned that the conflict in the Middle East is “only provoking more hatred,” urging leaders to return to the negotiating table.
“Tell them to work for peace”
Pope Leo also reminded Trump that targeting civilian infrastructure violates international law.
“Let’s remember especially the innocent children, the elderly, the sick… so many people who have already become or will become victims of this continued warfare,” he said. He encouraged citizens everywhere to contact their political leaders and “tell them to work for peace and to reject war.”
Donald Trump has not responded to the Pope’s remarks.
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